Eloping is such a beautiful way to celebrate love. It’s intimate, personal, and, let’s be real, so much less stressful than planning a traditional wedding. When Billy and I eloped in Savannah, GA, in 2020, it was everything we dreamed of: romantic, meaningful, and perfectly us. But even with all the planning, things didn’t go perfectly—and honestly, that’s what made it so memorable. (Our officiant kept calling him William instead of Billy, which was not ideal but ended up giving us a good laugh!)
If you’re thinking about eloping, this checklist will help you prepare for the big day. And remember: it’s okay if things go a little sideways. Sometimes, those moments make the best memories.
Before the Big Day
Start by choosing your location. Whether it’s a mountaintop, a beach, or a charming city like Savannah, pick a spot that feels meaningful to you as a couple. For Billy and me, Savannah’s historic streets and draping Spanish moss were everything we wanted for our day. As you decide, think about accessibility, weather, and how private you’d like it to be.
Set your date early so you can plan around the best weather for your destination. We went in the fall, and the crisp air and golden light made the day feel extra magical.
Don’t forget to tackle the legal stuff. Every state (or country!) has its own rules for marriage licenses, officiants, and witnesses. Research ahead of time and double-check all the requirements. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling last minute.
It’s also smart to create a budget early on. Eloping can save you money compared to a traditional wedding, but things like travel, attire, photography, and permits can still add up. Be realistic about what you’re willing to spend, but don’t skimp on what matters most to you. For us, photography was a priority—I wanted every moment captured.
Planning the Details
Once you’ve locked in the big stuff, start thinking about the details. Choose your outfits early and make sure they fit the vibe of your location. I can’t stress this enough: wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’ll be walking on uneven ground like Savannah’s cobblestones.
If you’re planning to hire vendors, book them in advance. This includes a photographer, videographer, hairstylist, or makeup artist. And, of course, your officiant—just make sure they know your names!
Pack all the essentials you’ll need for the day: your marriage license, rings, vows, and anything else you don’t want to forget. Writing your vows ahead of time is a game-changer. Billy’s vows made me tear up on the spot, and I’ll never forget that moment.
If you’re traveling for your elopement, plan your accommodations and transportation ahead of time. It helps to scout your location if you can, so you’re not surprised by any unexpected rules or logistics (like needing a permit to take photos in certain spots).
The Day Of
The day of your elopement, be prepared for a few hiccups. Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. In fact, those little “oops” moments often make the best stories. When our officiant kept calling Billy “William,” I was so annoyed at first, but now it’s one of those funny memories we’ll always laugh about.
Bring an emergency kit with items like a sewing kit, safety pins, and stain remover—it’s better to have it just in case. Also, pack snacks and water. You’ll want to stay energized throughout the day, especially if your timeline runs longer than expected.
Add a few personal touches to make the day feel special, like a bouquet or boutonniere. Even if it’s just the two of you, those details can make it feel more celebratory. And don’t forget practical items like sunscreen or a jacket if you’re outdoors.
Celebrate Your Way
One of the best things about eloping is that you can end the day however you want. For us, that meant pizza in bed at our hotel, laughing about the day and soaking in the fact that we were finally married. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect for us.
Think about what feels meaningful to you. Whether it’s a private dinner, a hike, or even just popping a bottle of champagne, find a way to savor the moment.
If you want to share your joy with loved ones, consider sending out announcement cards with your favorite photos. We did this after our elopement, and it was such a fun way to surprise our friends and family.
Eloping is all about focusing on what matters most: the love you share. No matter how much you plan, remember to roll with the punches. Those unexpected moments—like someone calling your partner by the wrong name or a random wardrobe mishap—are what you’ll laugh about for years to come. At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection. It’s about celebrating your story in a way that feels right for you.
If you’re planning to elope, I’d love to hear about your dream day! Let me know in the comments or reach out—I’m here to cheer you on. ❤️
This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I trust and believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps me continue to create valuable content, and I genuinely appreciate it!